Though routinely part of the human sexual response, orgasms are not a part of every sexual experience. Difficulty orgasming is noted as a common sexual dysfunction in women. Different studies suggest anywhere from 11 to 41 percent of women experience difficulty orgasming, even when sexually aroused and with sufficient stimulation. What are common causes for orgasmic dysfunction in women and how can you treat it? We’ll cover all this below.

Causes for Orgasmic Dysfunction in Women

Psychological Issues

Some forms of mental illnesses and stress can promote orgasmic dysfunction. Depression and anxiety are common causes for this condition, as well as general day-to-day stress. 

Past sexual trauma and abuse could also lead to sexual health difficulties for women. Confronting and healing from this trauma could help with this condition, so it’s worth investigating and speaking with a professional to determine how best to proceed.

Chronic Health Conditions

Some chronic health conditions could lead to painful sexual encounters, making achieving an orgasm hard to do. Conditions like vulvodynia, vaginismus, vestibulodynia and other chronic conditions like arthritis and multiple sclerosis can be linked to difficulties with orgasming.

Insufficient Sexual Stimulation

It may be surprising, but some women simply need more stimulation in order to orgasm. A lack of foreplay or clitoral stimulation can make achieving orgasm much harder for many women, especially since statistically most women do not orgasm from vaginal penetration alone.

Medication

Some medications have orgasmic dysfunction as a potential side effect. Antihistamines, blood pressure medications and antipsychotics have all been known to potentially impact the ability to orgasm. Additionally, antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in particular, can affect orgasm function as well.

Age and Stage of Life

Due to decreasing estrogen levels, some women may experience changes in their sexual function, including orgasmic dysfunction. Fluctuating hormonal levels is a completely normal part of aging, and there are treatments available to combat different issues resulting from it. If you’re wondering if hormonal fluctuations are behind your recent orgasmic dysfunction, we offer hormonal testing services to help you learn more about your hormonal levels.

Possible Treatment Options for Orgasmic Dysfunction

Talk with a Mental Health Professional

For more psychologically-related causes, we’d recommend talking to a mental health professional. There are many options in this field, including sex therapists who specialize in helping patients confront sexual problems or recover from previous sexual trauma and abuse.

Treatment Tools

Some problems with orgasmic dysfunction come down to a lack of lubrication or other naturally-occurring conditions. Hormonal treatment tools like hormone replacement therapy or simple lubricants can help overcome these problems! A CBD product like a CBD-infused bath bomb could also be useful to relax before intimacy. Our over-the-counter Nitric Oxide Booster can also be a helpful tool.  Nitric Oxide can help allow adequate blood flow to the clitoris to allow it to fully engorge thus making achieving an orgasm easier.  

For more medication-based treatments for orgasm dysfunction in women, you could consult with your pharmacist on:

Alprostadil clitoral cream, a prescription product that could increase blood flow and sexual satisfaction.

PDE5 inhibitors, which include medications like Viagra and Cialis (not just for men!). These can be either orally taken or topically applied, and could aid in clitoral engorgement, vaginal lubrication and sensitivity.

“O” Creams, or Scream Creams, which are available either OTC or by prescription. These are gels, creams or oils containing counterirritants that provide cooling or warming sensations using materials like menthol, capsaicin or essential oils among others.

Resolving Communication Issues

Talking to your partner about your orgasmic dysfunction could help resolve problems. By speaking up on needing more stimulation or foreplay, you could turn the corner into a better, more mutually satisfactory sexual relationship! An intimacy course focused around giving you and your partner the skills to better communicate and strengthen your relationship could be a great tool for this as well.

Treating Underlying Medical Concerns

Chronic conditions interfering with your sexual intimacy may need to be addressed in order to see progress. Talk with your doctor to determine the treatment plan best for your unique health needs.

We’re Here to Help

At Stanley Specialty Pharmacy, we want to help you live your best life. We offer women’s health consultations for patients to address all kinds of concerns for women’s sexual health and more. Contact us today to make an appointment to speak with one of our certified female pharmacists and come up with a treatment plan for your orgasmic dysfunction. There are many options and we are here to ensure you select the right one to fit your personal needs.